extract_todos · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What extract_todos does on Todos

AI agents use extract_todos to create or update resources in Todos — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Todos environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why extract_todos needs a policy

The tool reads source files (a Read operation) but its primary effect is creating new tasks from discovered comments. Creating tasks is a Write operation. Deduplication reduces but does not eliminate the risk of spurious task creation if run on unexpected files. Severity is medium because misuse could flood the task system with unwanted tasks, but effects are reversible.

From the tool's definition 'create tasks from them' — the tool scans source files and writes new task records into the task management system

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

extract_todos Rate-limited

extract_todos stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "extract_todos": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "extract_todos_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Todos, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about extract_todos

What does the extract_todos tool do? +

Scan source files for TODO/FIXME/HACK/BUG/XXX/NOTE comments and create tasks from them. Deduplicates on re-runs. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Todos MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on extract_todos? +

Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for extract_todos: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Todos. Nothing to install.

What risk level is extract_todos? +

extract_todos is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit extract_todos? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the extract_todos rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block extract_todos completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for extract_todos. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides extract_todos? +

extract_todos is provided by the Todos MCP server (@hasna/todos). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.